The gaining of knowledge is an interesting thing, like growing older. I never made an effort to memorise that this flower was a daisy, nor do I remember how I know, I just.. know. It is just something that happens without you noticing, the same as forgetting. The pasta I made recently was too thin because I forgot to stop before the smallest setting on the machine, but I didn’t remember that I forgot.

I wonder what new knowledge my forthcoming adventure will endow me with, unawares. Will I have an innate feeling in Asian grocery stores, or will I suddenly know how to cook bitter melon? Both, I hope, with limited forgetting of daisies.

Tuesday September 15, if my calculations are correct. My pre-departure to-do list is growing longer, if only I would or could write it down. It seems I deal with the inevitable by ignoring it.

I continue to make lists in my head, though it won’t make those items disappear, and eat honey cake after sweet cake getting in early to ensure a sweet new year.

The applying for credit is always last minute scramble. The horror of impending unemployment forces a flurry of half truths and hastily completed paperwork. There aren’t any questions pertaining to one’s future plans asked, to the benefit of those with a string of gainful employment behind them.

In a strange twist I was approved for the same credit card I sold over the phone in my first, and only, telemarketing job*. It was my first job after my debut credit card application. Now I’m doing it all over again but instead of selling the card, I’m buying.

* I lasted 3 weeks. Including 1 week of training - turns out I’m much better suited to buying.

Toilet wall graffiti, Newtown

Sunday: Sun, breakfast for lunch (as well as for breakfast), lovely company, hot new boots, dreading Monday.

As tourists we arrive in a city armed with guidebooks, lists of sights and attractions. Map in hand, we explore the city to the extent that the holiday allows. 

Lights in shopping centre, Chatswood

When one moves to a new place time is eaten away by settling in, work, daily life. The weekends are often too short for new experiences. Life becomes boring. Saturday I went to Thornleigh for amazing Malaysian food at Makan@Alice’s.

Smoke from back burning hangs in the sky

My fast approaching date of departure is forcing more exploration, I almost don’t want to leave, now.